By Wendy Nugent, Harvey County Now
NEWTON—Victor Martinez and JR Tacos owner Aylin Torres moved around the food truck like choreographed dancers, each doing what he or she needed to, preparing food and not running into each other.
The two prepared food on a recent Wednesday night in a food truck parked in the O’Reilly’s parking lot on the northwest corner of First and Main streets while Mexican music played out into the evening.
JR Tacos is a new business in Newton, opening Sept. 23.
“We wanted to bring something different to Newton,” Torres said. “Our quesabirrias, birria ramen and Mexican hamburgers are something new here in town.”
The business’s recipes are from a family member from Durango, Mexico.
“We serve a variety of authentic tacos, quesabirrias, ramen, hamburgers and, on occasion, menudo,” Torres said.
Family also has influenced how Torres works.
“We come from a hardworking family who have taught us how to do a little bit of everything, including cooking,” the Newton High School alum and Newton native said.
However, Torres is the first in the family to have such a food truck.
“No one in our family has had a business like this,” Torres said. “We have sold some tacos and burritos before but not as a business.”
JR Tacos usually sets up in the O’Reilly’s parking lot Fridays through Sundays, but they don’t have set hours right now. Every day they’re open, they post on the JR Tacos Facebook page what their hours will be and at which location at they’ll be.
“We are looking into possibly going to other towns nearby, but for now we are here in Newton,” Torres said. “It’s a great feeling serving the community and seeing them enjoy our food.”
The business plans to take part in Health Ministries’ Family Fun Day on Saturday, Oct. 29, as well as Third Gear Motorsports’ Trunk-R-Treat.
Torres has plans for the future.
“God willing, opening a restaurant here in Newton with our current menu and much more,” she said.
